Key Features:
Orangutans were once found in forests across Sumatra but now only survive in two provinces: North Sumatra and Aceh. Females virtually never travel on the ground and adult males do so rarely. The relentless destruction of Sumatra's rainforests has pushed the Sumatran orangutan to the edge of extinction. Only around 13,846 remain in the wild now. Considered critically endangered.
The Asian Elephants found in Sri Lanka are the largest amongst all elephants. They use a system of ancient routes to migrate, which are being aggressively disrupted by deforestation for construction activities. This and poaching have led to a steady decline in their population today. Considered endangered.
The Black Rhinoceros or Hook-Lipped Rhinoceros is a species native to eastern and southern Africa. The population of Black Rhinoceros has declined dramatically due to hunting in large numbers. Between 1960 and 1995, Black Rhinoceros numbers dropped by 98%, to less than 2,500. Though effective conservation has led to an improvement in their population, this species remains under threat. Considered critically endangered.
Red Pandas are very skilful and acrobatic animals that predominantly stay in trees. Most of the Red Panda's habitat is in the Chinese regions of Sichuan, Yunnan and Tibet. Primarily an herbivore, the name panda is said to come from the Nepalese word icionya; which means bamboo or plant eating animal. Climate change is impacting red pandas, leaving less than 10,000 in the wild. Considered endangered.
Hawksbills are found mainly throughout the world's tropical oceans, predominantly in coral reefs. They help maintain the health of coral reefs and sea grass beds. In some areas, their shells have high value and are commonly sold in markets because of their colours and patterns. Pollution is also detrimental to the turtles. 52% of the world's turtles have ingested plastic waste. Considered critically endangered.
he Black-Footed Ferret, North America's rarest mammal, feeds almost exclusively on Prairie Dogs and depends on their burrows for shelter. Massive hunting of ferrets and poisoning of its main food—the prairie dogs due to Sylvatic plague, has been attributed as a cause of decline in the species. Considered endangered.
Ganges river dolphins can only live in freshwater and are essentially blind. They hunt by emitting ultrasonic sounds, which bounces off their prey, enabling them to see an image in their mind. They are a reliable indicator of the health of the entire river ecosystem. Industrial and urban pollution, shipping, hunting (for their oil) make them an endangered species. Considered endangered.
The Sea Lion is the most common mammal in the Galapagos. Sea Lions hang out in large colonies on rocks and sandy shores on the Islands. They move into the water to feed and cool off as needed. They are vulnerable to effects of climate change on ocean currents, which impacts their habitat and fish prey abundance. Considered endangered.
Whale Sharks, the biggest fish and shark in the world are found in all the tropical oceans. Their distribution indicates the presence of plankton and the overall health of our oceans. Each has a unique pattern of spots and stripes on their skin. Demand for their meat, fins, and oil as well as Whale Shark tourism presents a threat to the species as it can interrupt their feeding and cause injuries from boat propellers. Considered endangered.
Mostly found in the Amazon forest, Poison Dart Frogs are active during the day and range from 1 inch to 2 ½ inches in length. The frog's skin secretes a poisonous alkaloid that can paralyze and even kill predators. The primary threats to Poison Dart Frogs are forest fire, logging and clearing of the rainforests where they live. Deforestation leaves a hotter, drier terrain that provides no shelter or food for them. Considered critically endangered.